The village of Les can be found in the lower Val d'Aran. It lies on the river Garona and is in the very heart of the Pyrenees. Despite having a population of only 829 inhabitants, it is a place where visitors will find all the services they need for an enjoyable holiday at any time of year. It is surrounded by forest paths that lead to historic buildings, while the river offers the possibility of enjoying a range of water activities. Other local attractions include a nearby thermal centre with sulphur waters and a major ski resort just 30 km. It is also just 4 km from France. Visitors are recommended to try the caviar produced at the local fish farm. Other attractions include the traditional Fire Festival and the local fairs and markets. Come and visit us!

What to see

The landscape around Les is dominated by the medieval Pijoèrt Castle. The other outstanding local monument is the Romanesque style Hermitage of Saint Blas. The most traditional local festival is that associated with the highly symbolic Haro. This is a tree trunk that is kept for a whole year in the square of the same name. In the nearby Fons Arxiu Calzado (local archive), which is kept in the municipal library, it is possible to find extensive documentation relating to the valley's history. Visitors wishing to engage in adventure sports should contact Deportur, while those just wanting to relax should go to the Termas Baronía de Les (thermal baths).

Route

Visitors are recommended to follow a circular route that starts and ends at Les. Along the way, they will visit Bausén, which is one of the most typical villages in the valley. The route continues through hazelnut and beech groves and past streams and old livestock herding facilities, one of which still conserves its thatched roof. The path then follows part of the GR 211-2. The route takes approximately 3 hours to walk and has an intermediate level of difficulty. The total climb is around 310 metres and the route is about 8 km long.

For more information: www.turismoles.com

Traditions

Les proudly conserves one of the oldest traditions in the Pyrenees: celebrating the summer solstice with the burning of a tree.

The Haro de Les is the trunk of a fir tree that is burnt on Saint John's Eve. But this tradition is also connected with other celebrations throughout the year: on Saint Peter's day, the Haro is planted, while in May a new trunk is prepared by carrying out the shasclada. For the winter solstice, after midnight mass on Christmas Eve the soca, or stump of a large tree, is burnt.

There is a whole world of fertility and purification rites that are always accompanied by the traditional dances and music of the local group Es Corbilhuèrs de Les.

Where to eat

Restaurant des Banhs
C/ des Banhs, 59
25540 LES
Tel. 973 648030

Bar Restaurant Eva
Zona Industriau Escamún
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648702
Fax: 973 648712

Hotel Europa
C/ Aran, 8
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648016
Fax: 973648323

Restaurant Joan Canejan
Avda. Sant Jaime, 27
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648025

Ostau dera Nhèu
Ctra. de França, s/n
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648279

Hotel Talabart
C/ des Banhs, 1
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648011

Es Neres
C/ des Banhs, 21 A
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648389

Bar Carmona
Pl. Querimònia, 8
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648311

Era Tauèrna
Pl. der Ajuntament, 3
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648452

Bar Casa Tustè
Avda. Sant Jaime, 15
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648350

Cafè deth Pònt
Pl. deth Conselh Generau, 1
25540 LES
Tel.: 973 648411
Fax: 973 648415